Apparatus and control method thereof

ABSTRACT

An apparatus including a communication unit configured to communicate with a communication device and be able to output data stored in a memory to the communication device even without power supplied from a power supply to the apparatus stores, in the memory, status information to specify the status of the apparatus in a state in which the power supply supplies the power to the apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus which are capable ofcommunication, and a control method thereof.

Description of the Related Art

A print apparatus such as an inkjet printer generally includes amechanism such as an ink tank that holds ink to be used for printing. Inthis case, the print apparatus monitors the ink remaining amount or usedamount to, for example, prevent the ink from running out duringprinting, as in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-000892 (to bereferred to as literature 1 hereinafter). Especially a mechanism using adetachable ink tank interchangeable by the user needs to notify the userof the ink remaining amount or used amount and prompt him/her toexchange the ink tank in some cases. For this purpose, the printapparatus records a device status such as an ink remaining amount in itsinternal memory. There is also proposed a system that more accuratelymanages the ink remaining amount or the like by writing it in anon-volatile memory provided in the ink tank, as in Japanese PatentLaid-Open No. 2002-234192 (to be referred to as literature 2hereinafter).

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-006016 (to bereferred to as literature 3 hereinafter) proposes a system that providesa short distance wireless communication unit in a print apparatus,obtains print data from an external apparatus, and notifies the externalapparatus of an error.

The device status of the print apparatus is recorded on the internalmemory of the apparatus in literatures 1 and 3 or on the memory of thedetachable mechanism in literature 2. For this reason, to obtain thedevice status, the print apparatus needs to be activated, and the userneeds to wait for activation of the print apparatus. Particularly in aprint apparatus constituted as an inkjet printer, preparation forprinting such as preliminary discharge is performed at times even ifprinting is not performed. Hence, unnecessary ink is consumed inaddition to the time to wait for startup of the print apparatus.

That is, generally, to confirm the state of an apparatus, activating theapparatus is indispensable. To activate the apparatus, a specific timeis needed. In addition, consumable items may be consumed, as in aninkjet printer. Hence, a general information processing system cannotmeet requirements to operate an apparatus after status confirmation orselect an apparatus to be activated from a plurality of apparatusesafter status confirmation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there are providedan information processing system and an information processingapparatus, which allow to obtain device information even in a state inwhich the power supply system of an information processing apparatusdoes not supply power, and a control method thereof.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provide anapparatus comprising: a communication unit configured to communicatewith a communication device and be able to output data stored in amemory to the communication device even without power supplied from apower supply to the apparatus; and a storage unit configured to store,in the memory, status information to specify a status of the apparatusin a state in which the power supply supplies the power to theapparatus.

Also, according to another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a control method of an apparatus including a communication unitconfigured to communicate with a communication device and be able tooutput data stored in a memory to the communication device even withoutpower supplied from a power supply to the apparatus, the methodcomprising: a storage step of storing, in the memory, status informationto specify a status of the apparatus in a state in which the powersupply supplies the power to the apparatus.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of awireless communication system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a view showing the outer appearance of a portablecommunication terminal 200;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are views showing the outer appearance of an MFP(MultiFunction Peripheral) according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are conceptual views of a passive mode in NFCcommunication;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are conceptual views of an active mode in NFCcommunication;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of theportable communication terminal according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of theMFP according to the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a detailed example of the arrangementof an NFC unit;

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of the data structure of the RAM ofthe MFP;

FIG. 10 is a view showing the data structure of the NFC memory of theMFP;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the NFC unit serving asan initiator;

FIG. 12 is a sequence chart showing the sequence of performing dataexchange in the passive mode;

FIG. 13 is a sequence chart showing the sequence of performing dataexchange in the active mode;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing of writing the device statusof the MFP in its NFC memory;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing processing of the portable communicationterminal from activation of an application on it to the end of NFCcommunication;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the MFP from receptionof a detection request from the portable communication terminal to theend of NFC communication;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of obtaining inkinformation;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of notifying inkinformation;

FIG. 19 is a view showing an example of a screen to perform modeselection in the portable communication terminal;

FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of the screen of the portablecommunication terminal to perform all color display; and

FIG. 21 is a view showing an example of the screen of the portablecommunication terminal to perform individual display.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be describedexemplarily in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to therelative arrangements of the constituent elements, display screens, andthe like described in the embodiment unless otherwise specified.

In this embodiment, an example will be described in which informationabout the device status of an MFP (MultiFunction Peripheral)(especially, the device status of a print apparatus) is transmittedusing a short distance wireless communication method. More specifically,a method of transmitting/receiving data using short distance wirelesscommunication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) even in, forexample, a hard-off state in which the MFP is not in an active statewill be explained. Note that in this embodiment, as an informationprocessing system in which a first information processing apparatus anda second information processing apparatus can be connected by such shortdistance wireless communication, an example in which an MFP is used asthe first information processing apparatus, and a portable communicationterminal is used as the second information processing apparatus will bedescribed.

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of the arrangement of a wirelesscommunication system according to this embodiment. A portablecommunication terminal 200 and an MFP 300 can be connected tocommunicate with each other by NFC and the like. The portablecommunication terminal 200 can be any portable information processingapparatus, for example, a personal information terminal such as a PDA(Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone, or a digital camera. TheMFP 300 has a reading function of reading a document placed on a platenglass, and a printing function using a printing unit such as an inkjetprinter. The MFP 300 may also have a FAX function and a telephonefunction as other functions. In this embodiment, the MFP 300 isexemplified as an information processing apparatus capable ofcommunicating with the portable communication terminal by NFC. However,the present invention is not limited to this. For example, amonofunctional printer may be used.

FIG. 2 is a view showing the outer appearance of the portablecommunication terminal 200. In this embodiment, a smartphone will beexemplified. The smartphone is a multifunctional mobile phone includinga camera, a network browser, a mail function, and the like as well asthe functions of a mobile phone. An NFC unit 201 is a unit that performscommunication using NFC. Communication can be performed by actuallymoving the NFC unit 201 close to within about 10 cm of a partner NFCunit. A wireless LAN (referred to as WLAN hereinafter) unit 202 is aunit used to communicate with another device by WLAN. The NFC unit 201and the WLAN unit 202 are arranged in the portable communicationterminal 200. A display unit 203 is a display having an LCD displaymechanism. An operation unit 204 includes a touch-panel operationmechanism and detects touch information of the user. As a representativeoperation method, the display unit 203 displays button-shaped images,and when the user touches the operation unit 204, an event of touch on abutton is issued. A power supply key 205 is used to power on/off theportable communication terminal 200.

FIG. 3A is a view showing the outer appearance of the MFP 300, and FIG.3B is a view showing the outer appearance of the MFP 300 viewed from theupper side. A platen glass 301 is a transparent glass table and is usedto place a document to be read by a scanner. A document cover 302 isused to prevent reading light from externally leaking at the time ofreading by the scanner. A printing paper insert port 303 is used to setpaper sheets of various sizes. The paper sheets set in the printingpaper insert port 303 are conveyed to the printing unit one by one,undergo desired printing, and are discharged from a printing paperdischarge port 304. As shown in FIG. 3B, an operation display unit 305and an NFC unit 306 are arranged on the document cover 302. Theoperation display unit 305 includes various kinds of input switchers andindicators for user operations. The user can do various settings of theMFP 300 and confirm device information such as the device status and theset status via the operation display unit 305. The NFC unit 306 is aunit used to perform short distance wireless communication and a portionto which the NFC unit of another device is actually moved close. Theeffective range of short distance wireless communication is about 10 cmfrom the NFC unit 306. A WLAN antenna 307 is used to performcommunication by WLAN and is embedded in the MFP 300.

NFC communication will be explained here. When short distancecommunication using the NFC unit is performed, an apparatus that startsthe communication first by outputting an RF (Radio Frequency) field iscalled an initiator. An apparatus that communicates with the initiatorby responding to a command issued by the initiator is called a target.The NFC unit has a passive mode and an active mode as the communicationmodes. In the passive mode, the target responds to the command of theinitiator by performing load modulation for the command of theinitiator. On the other hand, in the active mode, the target responds tothe command of the initiator using an RF field generated by the targetitself. Note that in the passive mode, the NFC unit can transmit/receivedata to/from another NFC unit even without power supplied from a powersupply such as an AC power supply or a battery, as will be describedlater.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are conceptual views of the passive mode in NFCcommunication. As shown in FIG. 4A, when an initiator 401 is to transmitdata 404 to a target 402 in the passive mode, the initiator 401generates an RF field 403 and establishes communication. The initiator401 modulates the RF field 403 by itself, thereby transmitting the data404 to the target 402. As shown in FIG. 4B, when a target 406 is totransfer data 408 to an initiator 405 in the passive mode, the initiator405 generates an RF field 407, as in FIG. 4A. The target 406 performsload modulation for the RF field 407 supplied from the initiator 405,thereby transmitting the data 408 to the initiator 405.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are conceptual views of the active mode in NFCcommunication. As shown in FIG. 5A, when an initiator 501 is to transmitdata 504 to a target 502 in the active mode, the initiator 501 generatesan RF field 503 and establishes communication. The initiator 501modulates the RF field 503 by itself, thereby transmitting the data 504to the target 502. When data transmission is completed, the initiator501 stops outputting the RF field 503. As shown in FIG. 5B, when atarget 506 is to transmit data 508 to an initiator 505 in the activemode, the target 506 generates an RF field 507. The target 506 transmitsthe data 508 by the RF field 507 generated by itself and stopsoutputting the RF field 507 upon completing transmission.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the portable communication terminal 200.The portable communication terminal 200 includes a main board 601 thatperforms main control of the apparatus, a WLAN unit 617 that performsWLAN communication, an NFC unit 618 that performs NFC communication, anda BT unit 621 that performs Bluetooth® communication.

In the main board 601, a CPU 602 is a system control unit and controlsthe entire portable communication terminal 200. A ROM 603 stores controlprograms, an embedded operating system (OS) program, and the like to beexecuted by the CPU 602. In this embodiment, each control program storedin the ROM 603 performs software control such as scheduling and taskswitching under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 603.

A RAM 604 is formed from an SRAM (static RAM) or the like. The RAM 604stores program control variables, stores set values registered by theuser, management data of the portable communication terminal 200, andthe like, and also includes various kinds of work buffer areas.

An image memory 605 is formed from a DRAM (dynamic RAM) or the like. Theimage memory 605 temporarily stores image data received via eachcommunication unit or image data read out from a data storage unit 612for processing by the CPU 602. A non-volatile memory 622 is formed froma flash memory or the like and stores data to be saved even afterpower-off. Example of such data are telephone directory data andinformation of devices connected in the past. Note that the memorystructure is not limited to the above-described structure. For example,the image memory 605 and the RAM 604 may share a memory, or data may bebacked up in the data storage unit 612. In this embodiment, a DRAM isused as the image memory 605. However, the present invention is notlimited to this, and a hard disk, a non-volatile memory, or the like maybe used.

A data conversion unit 606 performs analysis of a data descriptionlanguage (PDL) or data conversion such as color conversion and imageconversion. A telephone unit 607 controls a telephone line and processesvoice data input/output via a speaker unit 613 to implementcommunication by telephone. An operation unit 608 controls the signal ofthe operation unit 204 described with reference to FIG. 2. A GPS (GlobalPositioning System) 609 obtains the current latitude and longitude. Adisplay unit 610 electronically controls the display contents of thedisplay unit 203 described with reference to FIG. 2 and can displayvarious kind of input operations, the operation state and status of theMFP 300, and the like.

A camera unit 611 has a function of electronically recording and codingan image input via a lens. The image captured by the camera unit 611 issaved in a data storage unit 612. The speaker unit 613 implements afunction of inputting or outputting a voice for the telephone function,an alarm notification function, and the like. A power supply unit 614 isa portable battery and controls it. The power supply states of theportable communication terminal 200 include a battery dead statecorresponding to a zero battery level, a power off state before thepower supply key 205 is pressed, an active state in which the apparatusis normally activated, and a power saving state in which the apparatusis activated, but the power is saved.

The portable communication terminal 200 includes three types ofcomponents as communication units used to perform wireless communicationwith another device such as an MFP. The portable communication terminal200 can perform wireless communication by WLAN, NFC, and Bluetooth®. Toimplement these wireless communications, the WLAN unit 617, the NFC unit618, and the BT unit 621 are connected to a system bus 619 via buscables 615, 616, and 620, respectively. The WLAN unit 617, the NFC unit618, and the BT unit 621 are units configured to implement communicationcomplying with the corresponding standards. Each of the communicationunits converts data into packets by a corresponding communication methodand transmits the packets to another external device. In addition, eachunit converts packets from another external device into data andtransmits the data to the CPU 602. Details of the NFC unit will bedescribed later with reference to FIG. 8. The above-describedconstituent elements are connected to each other via the system bus 619managed by the CPU 602.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the schematic arrangement of the MFP300. The MFP 300 includes a main board 701 that performs main control ofthe apparatus, a WLAN unit 717 that performs WLAN communication, an NFCunit 718 that performs NFC communication, and a BT unit 719 thatperforms Bluetooth® communication.

In the main board 701, a CPU 702 is a system control unit and controlsthe entire MFP 300. A ROM 703 stores control programs, an embeddedoperating system (OS) program, and the like to be executed by the CPU702. In this embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM 703performs software control such as scheduling and task switching underthe management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 703.

A RAM 704 is formed from an SRAM (static RAM) or the like. The RAM 704includes various kinds of work buffer areas to store program controlvariables, set values registered by the user, management data of the MFP300, and the like. A non-volatile memory 705 is formed from a flashmemory or the like and stores data to be held even after power-off.Detailed examples of the data are network connection information anduser data. An image memory 706 is formed from a DRAM (dynamic RAM) orthe like. The image memory 706 stores image data received via eachcommunication unit, image data processed by a coding/decoding processingunit 712, image data obtained via a memory card controller (not shown),and the like. Like the memory structure of the portable communicationterminal 200, the memory structure of the MFP 300 is not limited to theabove-described structure. A data conversion unit 707 performs analysisof a data description language (PDL) or conversion of image data intoprint data.

A read control unit 708 and a reading unit 710 will be described next.The reading unit 710 optically reads a document by a CIS image sensor(contact type image sensor) under the control of the read control unit708. The read control unit 708 converts the signal obtained by causingthe reading unit 710 to read the document into electrical image data,thereby generating an image signal. In addition, the read control unit708 performs, for the generated image signal, various kinds of imageprocessing such as binarization processing and halftone processing viaan image processing control unit (not shown) and outputs high-resolutionimage data.

An operation unit 709 and a display unit 711 represent the operationdisplay unit 305 described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. Thecoding/decoding processing unit 712 performs coding/decoding processingor enlargement/reduction processing for the image data (JPEG, PNG, orthe like) handled by the MFP 300.

A paper feed unit 714 is a portion capable of holding paper sheets forprinting. The paper feed unit 714 can feed paper under the control of arecord control unit 716. Especially, a plurality of paper feed units 714can be prepared to hold a plurality of kinds of paper sheets in oneapparatus. The record control unit 716 can control which paper feed unitfeeds paper.

The record control unit 716 converts the image data to be printed intohigh-resolution image data by performing various kinds of imageprocessing such as smoothing processing, recording density correctionprocessing, and color correction via the image processing control unit(not shown) and outputs the image data to a recording unit 715. Therecord control unit 716 also has a function of periodically reading outthe information of the recording unit 715 and updating the informationin the RAM 704. More specifically, the ink amount remaining in the inktank, the state of the printhead, and the like are updated.

The MFP 300 also includes three types of components (the WLAN unit 717,the NFC unit 718, and the BT unit 719) used for wireless communication.Their functions are the same as those in the portable communicationterminal 200, and a description thereof will be omitted. Theabove-described constituent elements are connected to each other via asystem bus 723 managed by the CPU 702. The WLAN unit 717, the NFC unit718, and the BT unit 719 are also connected to the system bus 723 viabus cables 720, 721, and 722, respectively.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing details of an NFC unit 800 used as theNFC unit 618 of the portable communication terminal 200 or the NFC unit718 of the MFP 300. The arrangement of the NFC unit 800 will bedescribed below with reference to FIG. 8. The NFC unit 800 includes anNFC controller unit 801, an antenna unit 802, an RF unit 803, atransmission/reception control unit 804, an NFC memory 805, and a deviceconnection unit 807. An external power supply 806 supplies power to theNFC unit 800. The antenna unit 802 receives a radio wave, anelectromagnetic wave such as a magnetic field, or a carrier from anotherNFC device or transmits a radio wave, an electromagnetic wave such as amagnetic field, or a carrier to another NFC device. The RF unit 803 hasa function of modulating/demodulating an analog signal into a digitalsignal. The RF unit 803 includes a synthesizer, identifies the frequencyof a band or a channel, and controls the band or channel by frequencyassignment data. The transmission/reception control unit 804 performscontrol concerning transmission/reception, including frame segmentationand reassembly, preamble addition and detection, and frameidentification. The transmission/reception control unit 804 alsocontrols the NFC memory 805 and reads/writes various kinds of data andprograms. When operating in the active mode, the NFC unit 800 operatesby receiving power via the power supply 806. The NFC unit 800communicates with a device via the device connection unit 807 orcommunicates with another NFC device within a communication range usingcarriers transmitted/received via the antenna unit 802. When operatingin the passive mode, the NFC unit 800 receives power supplied byelectromagnetic induction using a carrier (RF field) received fromanother NFC unit via the antenna unit 802. The NFC unit 800 thusreceives power supplied from another NFC unit, communicates with theother NFC unit by modulating the carrier, thereby transmitting/receivingdata. This allows the NFC unit 800 to transmit/receive data to/fromanother NFC unit even without power supplied from the power supply 806in the passive mode.

FIG. 9 is a view showing the arrangement of the RAM 704 of the MFP 300.Reference numeral 901 denotes an entire RAM 704. A work memory 902 is amemory allocated to execute a program. An image processing buffer 903 isan area used as a temporary buffer for image processing. A device statusstorage unit 904 stores various kinds of information about the currentstate of the MFP 300. An error state 905 is a state about an error ofthe MFP 300 and includes, for example, a low-ink warning, an ink-outerror, a paper jam error, a paper-out warning, an image printing failurewarning, an image reading failure warning, and a network disconnectionwarning. The level of influence on the printing function, the level ofinfluence on the reading function, and the like are associated withthese warnings and errors. For example, in case of the ink-out error,the printing function is unusable, but the reading function is usable.In case of the network disconnection warning, any function using thenetwork is unusable, but a setting change in the device alone or thereading function is usable. An ink remaining amount 906 stores the modelnumber of the ink tank currently attached to the MFP 300 and the inkremaining amount. The model number of the ink tank is updated at thetiming of attaching the ink tank. The ink remaining amount 906 isupdated every time the ink is used. An estimated next activation time907 is the estimated time of next activation at the time of power-off.The activation time of the MFP 300 largely changes depending not thestate. The power supply states of the MFP 300 include, for example, ahard-off state, a soft-off state, a normal activation state, and a sleepstate. The hard-off state is a state in which the power supply hasstopped. To cause transition from the hard-off state to the normalactivation state by power-on, a long time is required. The soft-offstate is a state in which the power supply is partially supplied so thatsome of the plurality of functions of the MFP 300 are active, though themain program is not activated. In this case, the MFP can be activated ina shorter time than hard-off. In the sleep state, some of the pluralityof functions are active, but parts that consume large power are off, andother programs and mechanisms are operating. Hence, the normalactivation state can be restored immediately. Another factor that causesa variation in the activation time is an error state of the device. Forexample, upon detecting that many of the nozzles of the inkjet printheadare clogged, the MFP is activated next time after long-time recoveryprocessing. If the light power of the scanner has dropped, the MFP isactivated after an adjustment operation. In this way, the estimatedactivation time of the next activation is decided based on the powersupply state transition and the device status. Other 908 includes otherdevice statuses such as the current memory utilization, hardwaretemperature, and consumable information. Other 909 stores other RAMdata.

FIG. 10 shows the arrangement of the NFC memory 805 of the MFP 300.Reference numeral 1001 denotes the entire NFC memory 805. The CPU 702copies all or some of the contents of the device status storage unit 904to a device status storage unit 1002 at a predetermined timing. That is,the error state 905, the ink remaining amount 906, and the estimatednext activation time 907 recorded in the RAM 704 are recorded in the NFCmemory 805 as an error state 1003, an ink remaining amount 1004, and anestimated next activation time 1005. Note that although the other 908 isnot copied in FIG. 10, the present invention is not limited to this. Forexample, all pieces of information of the other 908 may be copied to theNFC memory 805. Alternatively, arbitrary data such as job storagerecorded as the other 908 may be selected and stored in the NFC memory805. A job storage unit 1006 is an area used to submit a job from theportable communication terminal 200 to the MFP 300 by NFC. A print job1007 stores print jobs in queue. More specifically, print settings andan image link destination are stored. A scan job 1008 stores scan jobsin queue. More specifically, reading settings are stored. A FAX job 1009stores FAX jobs in queue. More specifically, FAX settings including thetelephone number of a transmission destination and communicationquality, and if an image has already been read, the link destination ofthe image are stored. A setting change job 1010 stores setting changejobs in queue. More specifically, jobs concerning changes in the settingitems of the main body are stored.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for causing the NFC unit 800 to operate as aninitiator. First, in step S1101, every NFC unit operates as a target andwaits for a command from an initiator. In step S1102, the NFC controllerunit 801 determines whether an application for controlling communicationcomplying with the NFC standards has requested to switch to aninitiator. If the NFC unit 800 has responded to the request to switch tothe initiator, the application selects one of the active mode and thepassive mode and decides the transmission rate in step S1103. In stepS1104, the initiator detects the existence of an RF field output from anapparatus other than itself. If an external RF field exists, theinitiator does not generate the RF field of its own, and therefore waitsuntil detection of the RF field output from the apparatus other than thelocal apparatus ends. If no external RF field exists, the processadvances to step S1105, and the NFC controller unit 801 generates an RFfield via the antenna unit 802. With the above-described steps, the NFCunit 800 starts the operation as the initiator.

FIG. 12 shows the sequence including communication establishment, dataexchange, and target release in the passive mode. A case will bedescribed below in which a first NFC unit 1201 operates as theinitiator, and a second NFC unit 1202 operates as a target.

In step S1201, the first NFC unit 1201 performs single device detectionand specifies the second NFC unit 1202. In step S1202, the first NFCunit 1201 transmits the identifier of its own, the bit transmission rateof transmission/reception, the effective data length, and the like as anattribute request. The attribute request has general purpose bytes whichcan arbitrarily be selected and used. Upon receiving the effectiveattribute request, the second NFC unit 1202 transmits an attributeresponse in step S1203. Transmission from the second NFC unit 1202 isdone by load modulation using the RF field generated by the first NFCunit 1201. Data transmission by load modulation is expressed by a dottedarrow in FIG. 12.

After confirming the effective attribute response, the first NFC unit1201 can change the parameters of the transmission protocol bytransmitting a parameter selection request in step S1204. Parametersincluded in the parameter selection request are, for example, thetransmission rate and the effective data length. Upon receiving theeffective parameter selection request, the second NFC unit 1202transmits a parameter selection response in step S1205 to change theparameters. Note that steps S1204 and S1205 may be omitted if parameterchange is not to be performed.

In step S1206, the first NFC unit 1201 and the second NFC unit 1202exchange data by a data exchange request and a data exchange response.In the data exchange request and response, information for anapplication provided in the communication partner or the like can betransmitted as data. If the data size is large, the data candivisionally be transmitted.

When the data exchange has ended, the process advances to step S1207,and the first NFC unit 1201 transmits a selection cancel request for thedata exchange protocol or a release request. When the selection cancelrequest is transmitted, the second NFC unit 1202 transmits a selectioncancel response in step S1208. Upon receiving the selection cancelresponse, the first NFC unit 1201 releases the attribute representingthe second NFC unit 1202, and the process returns to step S1201. Whenthe release request is transmitted, the second NFC unit 1202 transmits arelease response in step S1208 and returns the initial state. Uponreceiving the release response, the first NFC unit 1201 can return tothe initial state because the target is completely released.

FIG. 13 shows the sequence including communication establishment, dataexchange, and target release in the active mode. A case will bedescribed below in which a first NFC unit 1301 operates as theinitiator, and a second NFC unit 1302 operates as a target.

In step S1301, the first NFC unit 1301 transmits the identifier of itsown, the bit transmission rate of transmission/reception, the effectivedata length, and the like as an attribute request. Upon receiving theeffective attribute request, the second NFC unit 1302 transmits anattribute response in step S1302. Transmission from the second NFC unit1302 is done by an RF field generated by itself. For this reason, eachof the first and second NFC units stops outputting the RF field whenending data transmission.

After confirming the effective attribute response, the first NFC unit1301 can change the parameters of the transmission protocol bytransmitting a parameter selection request in step S1303. Parametersincluded in the parameter selection request are the transmission rateand the effective data length. Upon receiving the effective parameterselection request, the second NFC unit 1302 transmits a parameterselection response in step S1304 to change the parameters. Note thatsteps S1303 and S1304 may be omitted if parameter change is not to beperformed, as in the passive mode.

In step S1305, the first NFC unit 1301 and the second NFC unit 1302exchange data by a data exchange request and a data exchange response.In the data exchange request and response, information for anapplication or the like can be transmitted as data. If the data size islarge, the data can divisionally be transmitted.

When the data exchange has ended, the process advances to step S1306,and the first NFC unit 1301 transmits one of a selection cancel requestand a release request. When the selection cancel request is transmitted,the second NFC unit 1302 transmits a selection cancel response in stepS1307. Upon receiving the selection cancel response, the first NFC unit1301 releases the attribute representing the second NFC unit 1302. Afterthat, in step S1308, the first NFC unit 1301 transmits an activationrequest to another target whose identifier is known. Upon receiving theactivation request, the target transmits an activation response in stepS1309, and the process returns to step S1301. When the release requestis transmitted from the first NFC unit 1301 in step S1306, the secondNFC unit 1302 transmits a release response in step S1307 and returns theinitial state. Upon receiving the release response, the first NFC unit1301 can return to the initial state because the target is completelyreleased.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of causing theCPU 702 of the MFP 300 to write the device status of the MFP 300 in theNFC memory 805 of the NFC unit 306 (NFC unit 718). In this embodiment,the device status of a print apparatus included in the MFP 300 ishandled. A case will be described in which an ink remaining amount isused as information (device information) representing the device status.Note that the device information is not limited to the ink remainingamount, as a matter of course. The device information stored in thedevice status storage unit 904 shown in FIG. 9 can be included. In thisembodiment, the NFC unit 306 writes the device information in theaccessible NFC memory 805 in advance by power supplied to the NFC unititself, thereby allowing the portable communication terminal 200 to readout the device information without activating the MFP 300. This can beimplemented by performing data exchange in the passive mode between theNFC unit 201 (NFC unit 618) and the NFC unit 306 using the NFC unit 201of the portable communication terminal 200 as the initiator.

The timing of writing the device information in the NFC memory 805 ispreferably, for example, a timing at which the device status probablychanged. An example in which an inkjet printer is incorporated as theprint apparatus of the MFP 300 will particularly be described below. Insteps S1401 and S1403, a timing at which a change in the device status(that is, a change in the ink remaining amount) probably occurred isdetected. When the print apparatus is in the active state, the CPU 702determines in step S1401 whether the print apparatus used the ink. Ifthe print apparatus used the ink, the CPU 702 writes the ink remainingamount in the NFC memory (updates the ink remaining amount 1004 in theNFC memory 805) in step S1402 and returns the process to step S1401. Thestate in which the ink was used is a state after, for example, printing,preliminary discharge, or ink suction was performed, that is, a state inwhich the ink remaining amount may change. The ink remaining amount canbe obtained from information recorded in the RAM 704 by the recordcontrol unit 716, as described above.

If the ink was not used, the CPU 702 determines in step S1403 whetherthe ink tank has been exchanged. After ink tank exchange, the inkremaining amount changes, and the model number of the ink tank and thelike may also change. Hence, in step S1404, the CPU 702 writes inkinformation such as the ink remaining amount and the model number in theNFC memory (updates the ink remaining amount 1004 in the NFC memory805). The write is performed at the time of detaching or attaching theink tank. The write can be performed at either one or both of thetimings. If the ink is supplied via a tube, the write may be done whenthe ink remaining amount changes, for example, when a sub tank isreplenished with the ink. When the write of the device information hasended, the process returns to step S1401.

If ink tank has not been exchanged, the CPU 702 determines in step S1405whether to shift the print apparatus to the sleep state. Upondetermining to shift the print apparatus to the sleep state, the CPU 702writes the device status of the print apparatus in the NFC memory instep S1407 and then shifts the print apparatus to the sleep state. Thedevice status written here may include information such as the precedingprinting end time, errors, and warnings as well as the above-describedink information. That is, the ink remaining amount 1004, the error state1003, and the estimated next activation time 1005 in the NFC memory 805are updated. Note that for an electrophotographic printer, a tonerremaining amount, a toner cartridge model number, and the like arewritten in the NFC memory 805 as internal information or the deviceinformation written in the NFC memory 805 in step S1402 or S1404.

If the print apparatus is not to shift to the sleep state, the CPU 702determines in step S1406 whether the power supply key of the MFP 300 ispressed. If the power supply key is pressed, the CPU 702 writes thedevice status of the print apparatus in the NFC memory in step S1407 andthen shifts the MFP 300 to the soft-off state. The device status writtenhere can be the same as in shifting to the sleep state. However,different information such as the time to shift to the soft-off statemay be written. Upon determining in step S1406 that the power supply keyis not pressed, the process returns to step S1401. This allows theportable communication terminal 200 to obtain the device status bycommunicating with the NFC unit 306 (NFC unit 718) of the printapparatus in the soft-off state or sleep state. That is, when theportable communication terminal 200 is to obtain the device status, theprint apparatus need not return from the sleep state or soft-off state.It is therefore possible to decrease the number of times of operationsunnecessary for obtaining the information, such as preliminarydischarge.

Note that these processes need not always be performed in the ordershown in FIG. 14, and not all the processes need be performed. Thenumber of processes may be increased/decreased as needed. In this case,the device status write function is implemented by sequentialprocessing. However, for example, event-driven processing may beperformed at each conditional branch portion. In this case, the prioritycan arbitrarily be set.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the portablecommunication terminal 200 from activation of a specific application onit to the end of NFC communication. This application obtains the inkremaining amount from the MFP 300, and has the function of a userinterface used for user input and output of obtained data and a functionof causing the NFC unit 201 (NFC unit 618) to operate as an initiator.

In step S1501, the CPU 602 that is executing the application of theportable communication terminal 200 selects a mode in accordance with auser designation. The mode selected here is used, for example, at thebranch in step S1706 of FIG. 17 to be described later. FIG. 19 to bedescribed later shows an example of a mode selection screen (detailswill be described later). Note that mode selection can be omitted. Inthis case, the process immediately advances to step S1502 afteractivation of the application.

In step S1502, the CPU 602 shifts to a mode to cause the NFC unit 201 ofthe portable communication terminal 200 to operate as an initiator anddetect another NFC unit. That is, the NFC unit 201 serves as aninitiator and operates as in steps S1101 to S1105 of FIG. 11. Note thatthe communication mode can be either the passive mode or the activemode. However, in the active mode, it is necessary to supply power tothe NFC unit 718 of the MFP 300 even in an inactive state of the printapparatus by, for example, separating the power supply system of the NFCunit 718 and that of the print apparatus. For the operation in theactive state, power needs to be supplied to the NFC unit 718. For thisreason, the ink remaining amount cannot be obtained during hard-off ofthe MFP 300.

In step S1503, the CPU 602 detects an apparatus as the communicationpartner via the NFC unit 201. Upon detecting an apparatus as thecommunication partner, the process advances to step S1504. Otherwise,step S1503 is repeated. Note that the time or count of the apparatussearch in step S1503 depends on the application. The apparatus searchmay be interrupted after a predetermined time or count. Alternatively,the user may select to interrupt the apparatus search.

In step S1504, the CPU 602 transmits an attribute request via the NFCunit 618. In step S1505, the CPU 602 receives an attribute response. Ifno correct response is obtained, the CPU 602 transmits the attributerequest again or interrupts the communication. If a correct response isobtained, the process advances to step S1506.

In step S1506, the CPU 602 determines whether the parameters need to bechanged. If the parameters need to be changed, the process advances tostep S1507. If the parameters need not be changed, the process advancesto step S1509.

In step S1507, the CPU 602 transmits a parameter selection request viathe NFC unit 201. In step S1508, the CPU 602 receives a parameterselection response. If no correct response is obtained, the CPU 602transmits the parameter selection request again or interrupts thecommunication. If a correct response is obtained, the process advancesto step S1509.

In step S1509, the CPU 602 obtains ink information and causes thedisplay unit 203 (display unit 610) to present it to the user. If theend of presentation is selected by, for example, user selection, theprocess advances to step S1510. In FIG. 15, ink information is obtained.However, information obtained here is not limited to the inkinformation. The device status of the print apparatus such as the timeto shift the print apparatus to the sleep state or the error state 905may be obtained. Details of the process in step S1509 will be describedlater with reference to FIG. 17.

In step S1510, the CPU 602 transmits a release request for the dataexchange protocol. In step S1511, the CPU 602 receives a releaseresponse. Upon receiving the release response, the target is released.Hence, the CPU 602 ends the application and then ends the NFCcommunication.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the MFP300 from reception of a detection request from the portablecommunication terminal 200 to the end of NFC communication. Thecommunication mode can be either the passive mode or the active mode.

In step S1601, the NFC unit 306 (NFC unit 718) of the MFP 300 determineswhether a detection request has been received from the NFC unit 201 ofthe portable communication terminal 200 serving as an initiator. Uponreceiving a correct detection request, the process advances to stepS1602. Otherwise, the NFC unit 306 waits for a detection request again.

After transmitting a detection response in step S1602, the NFC unit 718receives an attribute request from the portable communication terminal200 in step S1603. Upon receiving a correct attribute request, theprocess advances to step S1604. Otherwise, the NFC unit 718 waits forthe attribute request again.

After transmitting an attribute response in step S1604, the NFC unit 306receives a parameter selection request in step S1605. Upon receiving aparameter selection request, the process advances to step S1606.Otherwise, the process advances to step S1608. In step S1606, the NFCunit 306 transmits a parameter selection response. In step S1607, theNFC unit 306 changes the parameters based on the received parameterselection request. The process advances to step S1608.

In step S1608, the NFC unit 306 obtains ink information from the NFCmemory 805 and notifies it. In FIG. 16, ink information is notified.However, information notified here is not limited to the inkinformation. The device status of the print apparatus such as the timeto shift the print apparatus to the sleep state or the error state 905may be notified. Details of the process in step S1608 will be describedlater with reference to FIG. 18.

In step S1609, the NFC unit 718 determines whether a correct releaserequest has been received from the NFC unit 201 of the portablecommunication terminal 200. Upon receiving a correct release request,the process advances to step S1610. The NFC unit 718 transmits a releaseresponse and ends the NFC communication.

FIG. 17 is an example of a flowchart of processing of obtaining inkinformation in step S1509 of FIG. 15. Note that this processing iscommon to the passive mode and the active mode.

In step S1701, the CPU 602 of the portable communication terminal 200serving as an initiator obtains, using the NFC unit 201, the informationof the print apparatus from the NFC memory 805 of the NFC unit 306 ofthe MFP 300 serving as a target. In step S1702, the CPU 602 determinesbased on the information obtained here whether the communication partneris the print apparatus (MFP 300) corresponding to the application. Thatis, the information of the print apparatus communicated here includesdata representing that the print apparatus is the MFP 300 correspondingto the above-described application of the portable communicationterminal 200. If the communication partner is the MFP 300 correspondingto the application of the portable communication terminal 200, theprocess advances to step S1703. Otherwise, the process advances toprocessing of ending the NFC communication.

In step S1703, the CPU 602 determines whether the number of inksprovided in the print apparatus of the MFP 300 as the communicationpartner has been obtained. The number of inks can be either included inthe print apparatus information obtained in step S1701 or obtained bycommunicating again. If the number of inks has been obtained, theprocess advances to step S1704. Otherwise, the process advances toprocessing of ending the NFC communication.

In step S1704, the CPU 602 decides, from the obtained number of inks, adata length to obtain ink information. If a data area calculated basedon the data length cannot be allocated in the memory of the portablecommunication terminal, exception processing of, for example, ending theNFC communication may be performed. In step S1705, the CPU 602 requeststhe ink information via the NFC unit 618 and determines whether the inkinformation has correctly been obtained. If the ink information hascorrectly been obtained, the process advances to step S1706. Otherwise,the process advances to processing of ending the NFC communication.

In step S1706, the processing branches depending on the mode selected instep S1501 of FIG. 15. An example is shown here in which an all colordisplay mode and an individual display mode exist, as will be describedlater with reference to FIG. 19. In the all color display mode, theprocess branches to step S1707. In the individual display mode, theprocess branches to step S1710.

In step S1707, the CPU 602 presents the user, for example, an all colordisplay screen as shown in FIG. 20 to be described later. Upon detectinga key operation on the operation unit 204 in step S1708, the CPU 602determines the type of the operated key in step S1709. If the selectedkey is the individual display key, the process advances to step S1710.If the selected key is the end key, the process advances to processingof ending the NFC communication. For any other key, screen presentationis continued, or an operation predetermined by the portablecommunication terminal 200 or application is performed.

In step S1710, the CPU 602 presents the user, for example, an individualdisplay screen as shown in FIG. 21 to be described later. Upon detectinga key operation on the operation unit 204 in step S1711, the CPU 602determines the type of the operated key in step S1712. If the selectedkey is the all color display key, the process advances to step S1707. Ifthe selected key is the display change key, the process advances to stepS1713. If the selected key is the end key, the process advances toprocessing of ending the NFC communication. For any other key, screenpresentation is continued, or an operation predetermined by the portablecommunication terminal or application is performed. In step S1713, theCPU 602 changes the individually displayed ink information to inkinformation of another color. The process advances to step S1710, andthe CPU 602 updates the individual display screen in accordance with thechanged contents.

Note that the flowchart described above is merely an example, and theorder and contents of the processes may arbitrarily be changed. Forexample, screen presentation on the portable communication terminal 200may be done after the end of NFC communication. In addition, the numberof types of display modes in the screen presentation on the portablecommunication terminal 200 may be increased/decreased (one fixed displaymode may be used, or one of three or more display modes may beselected). The apparatus serving as an initiator need not always be theportable communication terminal, and information to be obtained is notlimited to ink information of the print apparatus.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of processing (step S1608 ofFIG. 16) of notifying ink information by the NFC unit 618 of the MFP300. Note that in FIG. 18, activation processing of the MFP 300 is notperformed.

In step S1801, the NFC unit 306 of the MFP 300 waits for a request toobtain print apparatus information to be transmitted from the initiator(in this example, the NFC unit 201 of the portable communicationterminal 200). Upon receiving a correct request, the process advances tostep S1802, and the NFC unit 306 reads out the print apparatusinformation from the NFC memory 805 of its own and notifies theinitiator of it.

In step S1803, an ink information obtaining request is received. Uponreceiving a correct request, the process advances to step S1804, and theNFC unit 306 reads out the ink information from the NFC memory 805 ofits own and notifies the initiator of it. When the ink informationnotification has ended, the process advances to processing of ending theNFC communication. The pieces of information notified in these processesare not limited to those described above and can arbitrarily bedetermined.

Note that in FIG. 18, the NFC unit 306 can transmit the stateinformation such as the ink remaining amount of the MFP 300 to the NFCunit 201 of the portable communication terminal 200 without activatingthe MFP 300. It is therefore possible to transmit the state informationeven if the MFP 300 is in the hard-off state. Even when the MFP 300 isin the soft-off state or sleep state, it is possible to transmit thestate information without waiting for activation of the MFP 300.

Note that in the processing shown in FIG. 18, the MFP 300 may beactivated. For example, when the NFC unit 306 has received a printprocessing request from the portable communication terminal 200, the NFCunit 306 may transmit the state information by the processing shown inFIG. 18 and activate the MFP 300 so as to execute printing, and the MFP300 may execute the processing in accordance with activation.

FIG. 19 shows an example of a screen to perform mode selection on theapplication of the portable communication terminal 200 in step S1501 ofFIG. 15. As described above, this application has the function of a userinterface used for user input and output of obtained data and a functionof causing the NFC unit 201 to operate as an initiator.

A mode selection screen 1901 includes an all color display key 1902, anindividual display key 1903, and an end key 1905. The all color displaykey 1902 corresponds to the all color display mode, and the individualdisplay key 1903 corresponds to the individual display mode. Theselection state of each mode is referred to at the branch in step S1706of FIG. 17. In accordance with selection of one of the all color displaykey 1902 and the individual display key 1903, the CPU 602 causes the NFCunit 201 to start operating as an initiator (step S1502). After causingthe NFC unit 201 to start operating as an initiator in accordance withan instruction from the application, the CPU 602 displays, on the modeselection screen 1901, a message 1904 to notify the user thatpreparation for communication with the print apparatus is completed.When the end key 1905 is selected, the application ends. Before the endof the application, a message to confirm again whether to end and aselection key may be displayed. Note that these keys and messages aremerely examples, and the items, display contents, positions, and thelike may arbitrarily be determined.

FIG. 20 shows an example of the screen of the portable communicationterminal to perform all color display in step S1707 of FIG. 17.

Referring to FIG. 20, an all color display screen 2001 includes inkremaining amount information 2002, a message 2003 to notify the methodof transiting to an individual display screen 2101, and an end key 2004.The ink remaining amount information 2002 includes an ink color name, anillustration of the remaining amount, and a numerical value representingthe remaining amount. Pieces of ink remaining amount informationcorresponding to the respective ink colors are divisionally shown. Whenthe desired ink remaining amount information 2002 is selected, thescreen transits to the individual display screen 2101 as shown in FIG.21 corresponding to the selected ink color. When the end key 2004 isselected, the application ends, and the target is released. Before theend of the application, a message to confirm again whether to end and aselection key may be displayed. Note that the ink remaining amountinformation 2002, the message 2003, and the end key 2004 are merelyexamples, and the manner and contents of display, and the like mayarbitrarily be changed.

FIG. 21 shows an example of the screen of the portable communicationterminal to perform individual display in step S1710 of FIG. 17.

Referring to FIG. 21, the individual display screen 2101 includes inkremaining amount information 2102, a display change key 2103, an inkmodel number 2104, a print apparatus model number 2105, an all colordisplay key 2106, and an end key 2107.

The ink remaining amount information 2102 includes an ink color name, anillustration of the remaining amount, and a numerical value representingthe remaining amount. This can be the same as the ink remaining amountinformation 2002 shown in FIG. 20 or different. When the display changekey 2103 is selected, the currently displayed ink information is changedto the ink information of another color. The display change key 2103 ismerely an example, and may correspond to a slide operation on the touchpanel or may be changed by a thumbnail or the like.

The ink model number 2104 and the print apparatus model number 2105 areitems displayed only on the individual display screen. Although the inkmodel number and the print apparatus model number have been exemplifiedabove, these items may arbitrarily be changed.

When the all color display key 2106 is selected, the screen transits tothe all color display screen 2001 as shown in FIG. 20. When the end key2107 is selected, the application ends. Before the end of theapplication, a message to confirm again whether to end and a selectionkey may be displayed. Note that the contents and arrangement of the keysare merely examples and may arbitrarily be changed as needed.

As described above, according to the embodiment, state informationrepresenting the device status of the print apparatus is recorded in astorage medium externally readable by NFC. For this reason, whenobtaining the device status of the print apparatus whose power supply isin the hard-off, soft-off, or power saving mode, the print apparatusneed not be activated. It is therefore unnecessary to wait foractivation of the print apparatus. Especially when the print apparatusis an inkjet printer, preparation for printing such as preliminary inkdischarge to be executed at the time of activation need not beperformed. It is therefore possible to reduce unnecessary inkconsumption.

In the above-described embodiment, short distance communication usingNFC has been exemplified. However, the present invention is not limitedto this. Although NFC is used as the short distance communication, anyother communication method may be used. For example, infraredcommunication (IrDA) or the like may be used. In this case, the infraredcommunication unit on the side of the MFP 300 needs to be configured tocommunicate by power supplied from a power supply system different froma power supply system whose power supply is cut off by soft-off or thelike, like NFC in the active mode.

As the communication partner of the portable communication terminal 200,the MFP 300 (print apparatus) has been exemplified. As the device statusinformation not be obtained, the ink remaining amount, the model numberof the attached ink tank, and the like have been exemplified. However,the present invention is not limited to those. For example, shortdistance wireless communication as described in the embodiment may beexecuted between the portable communication terminal 200 and a videorecorder that records a TV program, and the programming state of thevideo recorder may be obtained as the device information. Thisarrangement enables to conveniently confirm the programmed programwithout activating the video recorder (keeping the video recorder off).

Note that in the above-described embodiment, the MFP may write statusinformation such as the ink remaining amount in the memory at varioustimings. The status information may be written when, for example,powering off the MFP. Alternatively, error information may be written ata timing corresponding to an error condition such as a low ink level. Inthis case, if the error is solved by ink exchange or the like, the errorinformation is deleted from the memory.

The status information is not limited to the ink remaining amount, andvarious kinds of information may be written.

In the above-described embodiment, the MFP has been exemplified as theapparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, andvarious apparatuses capable of communicating by NFC, such as a PC and acamera, may also be used.

In the above-described embodiment, as the method of notifying the devicestatus, display has been exemplified. However, various notificationmethods such as printing and sound generation can be employed.

Aspects of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of asystem or apparatus (or devices such as a CPU or MPU) that reads out andexecutes a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functionsof the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method, the steps ofwhich are performed by a computer of a system or apparatus by, forexample, reading out and executing a program recorded on a memory deviceto perform the functions of the above-described embodiment(s). For thispurpose, the program is provided to the computer for example via anetwork or from a recording medium of various types serving as thememory device (for example, computer-readable storage medium).

The program may be executed by one computer, or a plurality of computersmay execute the program cooperatively. Hardware such as a circuit forexecuting part of the program may be provided, and the hardware and acomputer that executes software may cooperatively execute the processingdescribed in the embodiment.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2012-048614, filed Mar. 5, 2012, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A printer comprising: a communication unitconfigured to execute communication by using NFC (Near FieldCommunication); and a storage unit configured to store predeterminedinformation, based on an amount of a recording material for printing ofan image by the printer, wherein, in a case where the communication unitexecutes first communication with a mobile device via NFC after a firstdisplay item which is selectable on a predetermined screen by anapplication executed on the mobile device is designated by a user on themobile device, a first display content is newly displayed by the mobiledevice based on the predetermined information which the mobile deviceacquires from the storage unit, and in a case where the communicationunit executes communication with the mobile device via NFC after asecond display item which is selectable on the predetermined screen isdesignated by the user on the mobile device, a second display contentdifferent from the first display content is newly displayed by themobile device.
 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein said storageunit updates the predetermined information in accordance with a changein the amount of the recording material.
 3. The printer according toclaim 1, wherein the recording material is ink used for printing by theprinter.
 4. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the predeterminedinformation is transmitted from the communication unit to the mobiledevice via NFC.
 5. The printer according to claim 1, wherein therecording material is toner used for printing by the printer.
 6. Theprinter according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit further storestime information corresponding to a time for activating a function ofthe printer.
 7. The printer according to claim 1, wherein thepredetermined information includes amount information indicating theamount of the recording material.
 8. The printer according to claim 1,wherein the predetermined information includes model number informationindicating a model number, and the model number, arc is newly displayedby the mobile device as the second display content based on thepredetermined information.
 9. The printer according to claim 1, whereinthe mobile device newly displays each of the first display content andthe second display content based on the predetermined informationacquired by the communication via NFC with the printer.
 10. The printeraccording to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first display contentand the second display content is displayed by the application.
 11. Theprinter according to claim 1, wherein a display screen displayed by themobile device is changed to a first screen including the first displaycontent, in a case where the communication unit executes communicationwith the mobile device via NFC after the first display item isdesignated, and the display screen is changed to a second screenincluding the second display content, in a case where the communicationunit executes communication with the mobile device via NFC after thesecond display item is designated.
 12. The printer according to claim 1,wherein the first display content includes a notification, for the user,which is displayed in a case where a remaining amount of the recordingmaterial is low in the printer.
 13. A control method of a mobile deviceincluding a communication unit configured to communicate by using NFC(Near Field Communication), the method comprising: causing a displayunit to newly display a first display content, based on predeterminedinformation, in a case where the communication unit executes a firstcommunication via NFC with the a printer after a first Riede displayitem which is selectable on a predetermined screen by an applicationexecuted on the mobile device is designated by a user on the displayunit, wherein the predetermined information is stored in a memory of theprinter based on an amount of a recording material for printing of animage by the printer, and is acquired by the mobile device from theprinter in a case where the communication unit executes communicationwith the printer via NFC, and causing the display unit to newly displaya second display content different from the first display content, in acase where the communication unit executes a second communication withthe printer after a second display item which is selectable on thepredetermined screen is designated by the user on the display unit. 14.The method according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined informationis transmitted from the printer to the communication unit via NFC. 15.The method according to claim 13, wherein the recording material istoner used for printing by the printer.
 16. The method according toclaim 13, wherein time information corresponding to a time foractivating a function of the printer is further acquired based oncommunication via NFC with the printer.
 17. The method according toclaim 13, further comprising causing the display unit to displaypredetermined display item for prompting a user to put the mobile deviceclose to the printer, after the first display Riede item or the seconddisplay item is designated by the user on the display unit.
 18. Themethod according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined informationincludes amount information indicating the amount of the recordingmaterial.
 19. The method according to claim 13, wherein thepredetermined information includes model number information indicating amodel number, and the model number, and is newly displayed as the seconddisplay content by the display unit based on the predeterminedinformation.
 20. The method according to claim 13, wherein the recordingmaterial is ink used for printing by the printer.
 21. The methodaccording to claim 13, wherein the display control step, the displayunit is caused to newly display the first scrccn based each of the firstdisplay content and the second display content based on thepredetermined information acquired by the communication via NFC with theprinter.
 22. The method according to claim 13, wherein at least one ofthe first display content and the second display content is displayed bythe application.
 23. The method according to claim 13, wherein a displayscreen displayed by the mobile device is changed to a first screenincluding the first display content, in a case where the communicationunit executes communication with the mobile device via NFC after thefirst display item is designated, and the display screen is changed to asecond screen including the second display content, in a case where thecommunication unit executes communication with the mobile device via NFCafter the second display item is designated.
 24. The method according toclaim 23, wherein the display screen is changed from the predeterminedscreen to the first screen or the second screen.
 25. The methodaccording to claim 13, wherein the first display content includes anotification, for the user, which is displayed in a case where aremaining amount of the recording material is low in the printer. 26.The printer according to claim 6, wherein said storage unit stores thetime information when the printer is in a first state out of the firststate in which a plurality of functions are active and a second state inwhich a number of active functions out of the plurality of functions issmaller than in the first state.
 27. The printer according to claim 26,wherein the second state is a state in which a power supply suppliespower to the printer, and some of the plurality of functions are active.28. The printer according to claim 27, wherein if the printer is decidedto transition from the first state to the second state, said storageunit stores the time information before transition to the second state.29. The printer according to claim 28, wherein if the printer is decidedin accordance with a user operation to transition from the first stateto the second state, said storage unit stores the time informationbefore transition to the second state.
 30. The printer according toclaim 27, wherein the power supply comprises one of an AC power supplyand a battery.
 31. The printer according to claim 7, wherein the mobiledevice displays the first display content and the second displaycontent, each of which includes a remaining amount of the recordingmaterial, in a different manner, based on the predetermined information.32. The printer according to claim 6, wherein the time informationcorresponds to an estimated time of next activation when the printer ispowered-off.
 33. The method according to claim 16, wherein the timeinformation corresponds to an estimated time of next activation when theprinter imageprocessing apparatus is powered-off.
 34. The printeraccording to claim 8, wherein the model number is a model number of theprinter.
 35. The printer according to claim 8, wherein the recordingmaterial is ink used for printing by the printer, and the model numberis a model number of an ink tank containing ink.
 36. The methodaccording to claim 19, wherein the model number is a model number of theprinter.
 37. The method according to claim 19, wherein the recordingmaterial is toner used for printing by the printer, and the model numberis a model number of a toner cartridge containing toner.
 38. The methodaccording to claim 19, wherein the recording material is ink used forprinting by the printer, and the model number is a model number of anink tank containing ink.
 39. A non-transitory computer readable storagemedium storing a program for causing a mobile device including acommunication unit configured to communicate by using NFC (Near FieldCommunication), to execute: causing a display unit to newly display afirst display content, based on predetermined information, in a casewhere the communication unit executes a first communication via NFC witha printer after a first display item which is selectable on apredetermined screen by an appplication executed on the mobile device isdesignated by a user on the display unit, wherein the predeterminedinformation is stored in a memory of the printer based on an amount of arecording material for printing of an image by the printer, and isacquired by the mobile device from the printer in a case where thecommunication unit executes communication with the printer via NFC; andcausing the display unit to newly display a second display contentdifferent from the first display content, in a case where thecommunication unit executed a second communication with the printerafter a second display item which is selectable on the predeterminedscreen is designated by the user on the display unit.
 40. The methodaccording to claim 18, wherein the first display content and the seconddisplay content, each of which includes a remaining amount of therecording material, in a different manner, is displayed by the displayunit based on the predetermined information.
 41. The printer accordingto claim 11, wherein the display screen is changed from thepredetermined screen to the first screen or the second screen.